Didier Drogba 'optimistic' he will get new deal

Friday 17 February 2012 11:55 BST

Optimistic: Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba today revealed he is still in talks with Chelsea over a new deal.

The striker's contract expires this summer and negotiations broke down earlier in the season with the Ivory Coast international demanding a two-year agreement with the club only offering a 12‑month extension.

Former team-mate Nicolas Anelka believes the 33-year-old will join him at Shanghai Shenhua after he made the move there last month.

Drogba, who, joined Chelsea from Marseille for £24million in 2004, said: "Everybody knows I love the club and everyone knows I want to stay. We are still talking about it, so let's see what comes out of the discussions. I'm optimistic something can happen.

"I love Chelsea and I think they love me as well. I think we are going to find something and make a decision which suits everyone - me, the club and the fans.

"At the same time, if it doesn't happen that's life but you will never change the respect and the love we created together."

Drogba, who will miss the FA Cup tie with Birmingham having just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, still believes Chelsea can end this season with a trophy despite their struggle.

"We are still in the FA Cup and Champions League which are big, big trophies. I've missed my team," he said.

"We did everything together and won together before, so when we are in a difficult moment we have to be together."

Birmingham will be without front-line strikers Nikola Zigic (knee) and Marlon King (groin) for the fifth-round tie.

Adam Rooney is set to spearhead the attack as the Championship promotion contenders look to secure a quarter-final spot for the third successive season. Midfielder Guirane N'Daw (hamstring) is also sidelined.